Time-based award system with dynamic value assignment

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a base game to a player playing at the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to determine an outcome during play of the base game, and award at least one token based on the outcome of the base game, wherein a value of the token based on as additional play of the base game by the player.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to and thebenefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/618,463, filed on Nov.13, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments described herein relate generally to gaming systems and,more particularly, to gaming systems and methods that provide playerrewards.

At least some known gaming systems provide a bonus pool, and provideshares of the bonus pool to one or more actively played gaming machineswithin the gaming system. For example, at least some of such knowngaming systems distribute the bonus pool to gaming machines based on avalue of the bonus pool and/or the number of shares obtained using eachgaming machine.

Moreover, at least some known gaming systems provide a proportionalpayout of a progressive jackpot. A system controller receives datarepresenting wager amounts from each of a plurality of gaming machines,and in response, determines a value of the progressive jackpot using aportion of each wager amount. When a winning outcome occurs at one ofthe gaming machines, the system controller announces the win and paysthe winning player a portion of the jackpot based on a predeterminedproportional algorithm.

Furthermore, at least some known gaming systems provide incentives toplayers to play a game that includes at least one winning outcome amonga plurality of outcomes. In order for a player to redeem the winningoutcome, the player must present the winning outcome at a redemptionlocation, such as a casino. For example, at least some known gamingsystems provide an online game to players via the Internet, and requirethe players to return to a casino to redeem a prize won during play ofthe online game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a gaming machine is provided, The gaming machine iscoupled to at least one server via a network and includes a displaydevice configured to display a base game to a player playing at thegaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. Thecontroller is configured to determine an outcome of the base game, andaward at least one token based on the outcome of the base game, whereina value of the token increases based on additional play of the base gameby the player,

In another aspect, a gaming system is provided. The gaming systemincludes a plurality of gaming machines that each includes a displaydevice configured to display a base game and a bonus game to a player,and at least one server coupled to the gaming machines via a network.The server is configured to detect a bonus trigger during play of thebase game at one of the gaming machines, initiate the bonus game, andaward at least one token based on an outcome of the bonus game, whereina value of the token increases based on additional play of the base gameand the bonus game by the player.

In another aspect, a method is provided for providing awards in a gamingsystem that includes at least one gaming machine and at least one servercoupled to the gaming machine via a network. The method includesinitiating play of a base game on the gaming machine, and determining anoutcome of the base game, The method also includes awarding at least onetoken based on the outcome, wherein the token includes an initial value,and incrementing the value of the token as additional players earntokens during play of the base game.

In yet another aspect, one or more computer-readable storage media areprovided having computer-executable components for providing awards in agaming system that includes at least one gaming machine and at least oneserver coupled to the gaming machine via a network. Thecomputer-executable components include a base game component that causesat least one processor to display a base game via the gaming machine,determine an outcome of the base game, and award at least one tokenbased on the outcome, wherein the token includes an initial value. Thecomputer-executable components also include a token management componentthat causes the at least one processor to increment the value of thetoken based on additional play of the base game by the player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein may be better understood by referringto the following description in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of an exemplary electricalarchitecture that may be used with the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electricalarchitecture of a token management server that may be used with thegaming system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a plurality of data storagetables of an exemplary database that may be used with the gaming systemshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view of an exemplary base game that may be used with thegaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7-9 are views of an exemplary bonus game that may be used with thegaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a view of an exemplary token interface that may be used withthe gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a graph that illustrates exemplary value trends for each of aplurality of different token types that may be awarded during play ofthe bonus game shown in FIGS. 7-9;

FIG. 12 is a chart that illustrates an exemplary time varying nature ofa value of a token awarded to a player using the gaming system shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a graph that illustrates a time-varying nature of aprogressive award value that may be used with the gaming system shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a graph that illustrates an alternative embodiment in whichthe progressive award value shown in FIG. 13 is split into twocomponents;

FIG. 15 is a graph that illustrates another alternative embodiment inwhich the progressive award value shown in FIG. 13 is split into twocomponents;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method forproviding awards using the gaming system shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart that further illustrates the method shown in FIG.16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, methods, systems, andcomputer-readable storage media for use in time-based awards withdynamic value assignment are described hereinabove. The embodimentsdescribed herein facilitate awarding players with compounding bonusequity through the use of highly unpredictable outcomes. Awardingcompounding bonus equity facilitates generating long-term loyalty amongplayers in that new players pass value to early entry players that haveplayed for longer periods in order to accumulate greater equity.

Exemplary technical effects of apparatus, methods, systems, andcomputer-readable media described herein include at least one of: (a)initiating play of a base game at a gaming machine; (b) detecting abonus trigger during play of the base game; (c) initiating a bonus gamein response to detecting the bonus trigger; (d) determining an outcomeof the bonus game; (e) awarding at least one token portion based on awinning outcome of the bonus game; (f) accumulating a specified numberof token portions, and awarding a token award that includes an initialvalue; (g) incrementing the value of the token during one or more playsessions based on the award of tokens to other players; and (h)initiating a token transaction, including a token redemption, a tokensale between two players or between a player and the gaming system, atoken purchase between two players or between a player and the gamingsystem, or a token trade between two players or between a player and thegaming system.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming machine 100 thatprovides redeemable award opportunities, or tokens, during play of agame. Gaming machine 100 may be any type of gaming machine, and mayinclude, without limitation, different structures than those shown inFIG. 1. Moreover, gaming machine 100 may employ different methods ofoperation than those described below.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a main cabinet102 having a main door 104 coupled to a front 106 of gaming machine 100.When opened, door 104 provides access to an interior (not shown) ofgaming machine 100. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality ofplayer-input switches and/or buttons 108 is coupled to main door 104.Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, a coin acceptor 110, foraccepting coins and/or tokens, a bill acceptor 112, for accepting and/orvalidating cash bills, coupons and/or ticket vouchers, a coin tray 114,for collecting a coin-based payout, and a belly glass 116 are eachcoupled to main door 104. A primary display device 118 and aninformation panel 120 are viewable through main door 104. Primarydisplay device 118 may be implemented as a cathode ray tube (CRT), aflat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) display, a multi-layer display (MLD), or anyother electronically-controlled video monitor. Moreover, primary displaydevice 118 may include touch screen capabilities. In the exemplaryembodiment, information panel 120 is a back-lit, silk screened glasspanel that includes lettering to indicate general game informationincluding, for example, a number of coins wagered. Coin acceptor 110,bill acceptor 112, player-input buttons 108, video display monitor 118,and information panel 120 are each used by a player to play a game ongaming machine 100. Each component 108, 110, 112, 118, and/or 120 iscontrolled by a gaming machine controller (not shown in FIG. 1) that ishoused inside main cabinet 102. Numerous games including, but notlimited to only including, video slot games, video poker, videopachinko, video black jack, video card games, and/or video keno may beimplemented for play on gaming machine 100.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 also includes a top box122 that is positioned on a top surface 124 of main cabinet 102. In theexemplary embodiment, top box 122 includes a number of devices that maybe used to add features to a game being played on gaming machine 100,Such devices may include, but are not limited to only including,speakers 126, 128, and 130, a ticket printer 132 for printing bar-codedtickets 134, a key pad 136 for entering player tracking information, orplayer preferences or characteristics, a display 138 for displayingplayer tracking information and/or player preferences orcharacteristics, and a card reader 140 for receiving a card containingplayer tracking information and/or player preferences or characteristicsencoded thereon. Card reader 140 may also be used to accept creditcards, printed cards, smart cards, and/or other magnetic stripe cards.Moreover, top box 122 includes a secondary display device 142 thatdisplays, for example, player information, an attract sequence, a bonusgame, or any other suitable images. Secondary display device 142 may beimplemented as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat-panel liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)display, a multi-layer display (MLD), or any otherelectronically-controlled video monitor. Moreover, secondary displaydevice 142 may include touch screen capabilities, Top box 122 may houseadditional devices not shown in FIG. 1, such as, for example, a bonuswheel and/or a back-lit silk screened panel that may be used to addbonus features to a game being played on gaming machine 100. During gameplay, such devices may be controlled by circuitry, such as the gamingmachine controller housed within main cabinet 102,

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a tokeninterface. The token interface may be displayed via primary displaydevice 118 or secondary display device 142. As described in more detailbelow, the token interface displays player information and/or playeraccount information to a player, including details related to redeemableaward tokens,

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of an exemplary electricalarchitecture 200 incorporated into an exemplary gaming machine, such asgaming machine 100. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100includes a gaming machine controller 202 that includes a read-onlymemory (ROM) 204, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 206, arandom-access memory (RAM) 208, and an input/output (I/O) circuit 210,each coupled via an address/data bus 212. As used herein, the terms“controller” and “processor” may include any programmable systemincluding systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction setcircuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logiccircuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing thefunctions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, andare thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaningof the terms “controller” or “processor”. Alternative embodiments ofcontroller 202 may include more than one microprocessor 206, multipleRAM modules 208, and/or multiple ROM modules 204. Moreover, although I/Ocircuit 210 is shown in FIG. 2 as a single component, one of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that I/O circuit 210 may include anynumber or a plurality of different types of I/O circuits, Further, RAM208 and/or ROM 204 may be implemented as, for example, semiconductormemories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readablememories. In one embodiment, each operational component of gamingmachine 100 is coupled to I/O circuit 210 via a respective conductorand/or via bus 212. Alternative embodiments may include a singlecoupling between the operational components of gaming machine 100 andI/O circuit 210. In the exemplary embodiment, I/O circuit 210 is coupledto a gaming network (not shown) via a network interface 214. Moreover,in the exemplary embodiment, architecture 200 includes a sound circuit216 that generates audio signals and that communicates the audio signalsbetween I/O circuit 210 and speakers 126, 128, and/or 130.

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming system 300that includes a plurality of gaming machines 100. Each gaming machine100 is coupled via a network connection 214 to one or more servers, suchas a token management server 302, an accounting server 304, and a playertracking server 306,

Each server 302, 304, and 306 includes a processor (not shown) thatfacilitates data communication between each gaming machine 100 and othercomponents of gaming system 300. Such data is stored in, for example, adatabase 308 that is coupled to each server 302, 304, and 306. Moreover,each server 302, 304, and 306 also includes audio capabilities, such asa CD-ROM drive (not shown) or DVD-ROM drive (not shown), that arecoupled to a sound card (not shown) for processing and transmittingdigitized sound effects to one or more speakers 310 in response tocommands issued over gaming system 300 by a corresponding server 302,304, and/or 306. Each server 302, 304, and 306 is also coupled viagaming system 300 to an electronic sign or screen 312 that displaysinformation, such as via scrolling and/or flashing messages thatindicate, for example, progressive and/or jackpot amounts, and that arevisible to players playing gaming machines 100. Messages for display oneach electronic screen 312 are generated and/or modified in response tocommands issued over gaming system 300 by servers 302, 304, and/or 306.

As described above, gaming machines 100 may include video pokermachines, video slot machines, and/or other similar gaming machines thatimplement alternative games. Moreover, gaming machines 100 may beterminal-based machines, wherein the actual games, including randomnumber generation and/or outcome determination, are performed at aserver, such as servers 302, 304, and/or 306. in such an embodiment,gaming machine 100 displays results of the game via primary displaydevice 118 (shown in FIG. 1).

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, gaming system 300 includes aconfiguration workstation 314 that includes a user interface thatenables an administrator to set up and/or to modify portions of gamingsystem 300 and/or servers 302, 304, and 306. Player tracking server 306tracks data of players using gaming machines 100, and also controlsmessages that appear on each display device 118 and 142 and/orinformation panel 120 of gaming machines 100, in the exemplaryembodiment, player tracking server 306 also stores physicalcharacteristics of players, such as the player age and/or vision data,Token management server 302 controls bonus applications or bonus systemsthat award token opportunities on gaming system 300. Moreover, tokenmanagement server 302 includes a set of rules for awarding jackpots inexcess of those established by whining pay tables (not shown) of eachgaming machine 100. Some bonus awards may be awarded randomly, whileother bonus awards may be made to groups of gaming machines 100operating in a progressive jackpot mode. Player tracking server 306 maystore data related to the players and tracked using player trackingidentification, such as a player card. Moreover, player tracking server306 may store information and data about the player such as loyaltypoints, player address, phone number, and any information that may beretrieved and transmitted to the token management server 302. Accountingserver 304 may store and track information such as, but not limited to,the average amount of wager played by the player, and/or any funds theplayer may have in an account.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, gaming system 300 includes oneor more remote computers 316 and/or mobile devices 318 that accesssystem 300 via an external network, such as the Internet.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electricalarchitecture 400 of token management server 302. In the exemplaryembodiment, token management server 302 includes a network interface 402that facilitates communication between server 302 and gaming system 300(shown in FIG. 3). Interface 402 is not intended to be limiting, as anycombination of hardware and software may be used as desired to allow thevarious input/output devices to communicate with token management server302. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, token management server 302includes one or more memory modules 404, such as a read-only memory(ROM) and/or a random-access memory (RAM). Memory 404 is coupled to amicrocontroller or central processor unit (CPU) 406 via an address/databus 408. As used herein, the terms “controller” and “processor” mayinclude any programmable system including systems usingmicrocontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any othercircuit or processor capable of executing the functions describedherein. The above examples are exemplary only, and are thus not intendedto limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the terms“controller” or “processor”. Alternative embodiments of architecture 400may include more than one processor 406 and/or multiple memory modules404. Moreover, memory 404 may be implemented as, for example,semiconductor memory, magnetically readable memory, and/or opticallyreadable memory.

In some embodiments, token management server 302 also includes aconfiguration manager 410 that enables a user to setup, configure,and/or modify various token awards 412 that are offered and qualifyingcriteria 414 that must be satisfied before awards 412 are offered to theplayer. For example, qualifying criteria 414 may be any parameters suchas game theme, denomination, location in the casino, bonus length,player data, prizes offered, bonus type, bonus acceptance time, or anyother desired qualifying criteria. Configuration manager 410 may be usedin cooperation with configuration workstation 314 (shown in FIG. 3).

In the exemplary embodiment, token management server 302 also includes atoken communicator 416 that is coupled to processor 406. Tokencommunicator 416 gathers the necessary data and information associatedwith token awards and players from accounting server 304 and playertracking server 306 (both shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, acasino may have separate systems for player tracking, accounting, cageand credit system, and the like. Thus, in order for the various tokenawards to be offered, token management server 302 communicates andobtains information from each of the various systems. For example, tokencommunicator 416 communicates with player tracking server 306 toretrieve information about the player to determine the player'seligibility to receive a token, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a plurality of exemplary datastorage tables 500 stored by database 308. In some embodiments, database308 may be implemented by a plurality of databases 308. In the exemplaryembodiment, database 308 stores player data 502, such as a player'stoken history 504. Tokens that the player was previously awarded may besaved in the database 308 and may be used to determine and/or customizefuture bonuses offered to the player. Current token records 506 may alsobe saved in database 308.

Player data records 508 may be obtained from player tracking server 306(shown in FIG. 4) and saved in database 308. The information obtainedmay include a player's ratings, a number of points accumulated in theloyalty program, the player's residence, and any other informationnecessary to determine the player's eligibility to receive a token.Additionally, play history records 510 may be stored in database 308.Play history records 510 may be used to customize the bonuses offered tothe player to keep a player's interest in playing a game of chance.

Database 308 also stores token criteria 512. Criteria 512 may be anyinformation used to determine whether a player is qualified to receive aparticular token 514. Token criteria records 512 may be include playerdata records 516, a type of game played 518, a plurality of types oftokens 520, or any other token criteria 512. For example, token types520 may be used to designate a token portfolio that includes a specificnumber of tokens of each of a number of token types 520. A player thataccumulates the specific number of tokens to complete a portfolio mayreceive, for example, an additional bonus prize. Token types 520required to complete a portfolio may be based on any number of criteriasuch as, but not limited to, player level and/or frequency of play by aplayer.

Processor 406 (shown in FIG. 5) may be configured to execute transactionmanager 522 to detect a transaction request made by a player. Forexample, transaction manager 522 may initiate a trade transactionbetween one or more players, and/or between a player and tokenmanagement server 302. Transaction manager 522 may also initiate salesand/or purchase transactions between one or more players and/or betweena player and token management server 302, Such transactions may becompleted to enable a player to complete a portfolio. Transactionmanager 522 includes a data analysis application 524 that analyzes anddetermines whether a token is included in a particular portfolio, and/orwhether a token is eligible to be traded, sold, and/or purchased. Dataanalysis application 524 determines whether each token is eligible forsuch transactions according to a qualifying table 526.

FIG. 6 is a screen view of an exemplary base game 600 as displayed bygaming machine 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and, more specifically, byprimary display device 118 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the exemplaryembodiment, base game view 600 includes a plurality of symbols 602arranged in a plurality of rows 604 and in a plurality of columns 606.Base game view 600 also includes a token interface symbol 608 that, whenactivated by a player, displays a token interface (not shown).

During play of base game 600, a player selects one or more paylines (notshown) and initiates base game 600 using, for example, buttons 108(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) or via touch on primary display device 118.Each payline includes a plurality of specific symbol locations 610arranged across columns 606, In the exemplary embodiment, each column606 is depicted using video images on primary display device 118. In analternative embodiment, each column 606 is produced on a separate reeldevice (not shown) that is positioned adjacent to an inner surface (notshown) of primary display device 118. In the exemplary embodiment, abonus game is initiated when a predetermined number of bonus triggersymbols 612 are displayed as an outcome of base game 600.

FIGS. 7-9 show screen views of an exemplary bonus game 700 displayed bygaming machine 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the exemplaryembodiment, bonus game 700 includes a plurality of symbols 702 arrangedin a plurality of rows 704 and in a plurality of columns 706. Bonus game700 also includes a token display area 708.

During play of bonus game 700, a player initiates bonus game 700 using,for example, buttons 108 or via touch on primary display device 118(each shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the exemplary embodiment, each column706 is depicted using video images on primary display device 118. In analternative embodiment, each column 706 is produced on a separate reeldevice (not shown) that is positioned adjacent to an inner surface (notshown) of primary display device 118. In the exemplary embodiment, atoken portion 710 is awarded when a predetermined number of tokentrigger symbols 712 are displayed as an outcome of bonus game 700. Aseach token portion 710 is awarded, the awarded token portions 710 aredisplayed in token display area 708. In the exemplary embodiment, theplayer is awarded a specified number of plays of bonus game 700. If,during the specified number of plays, the player is awarded apredetermined number of token portions 710, the player is awarded with atoken award. In one embodiment, if the player is not awarded thepredetermined number of token portions 710 during the specified numberof plays, the number of awarded token portions 710 is saved to ROM 204or RAM 208 (both shown in FIG. 2) and/or to token history 504 (shown inFIG. 5) of database 308 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

It should be noted that the apparatus, methods, systems, andcomputer-readable storage media described herein may distribute tokenportions 710 and/or token symbols 712 without the use of bonus game 700.For example, base game 600 (shown in FIG. 6) may distribute tokenportions 710 and/or token symbols 712 based on predefined parameters,such as an amount of coin-in, a number of paylines wagered, a triggersymbol, a trigger combination of symbols, or any other suitableparameter or trigger. As another example, base game 600 may distributetoken portions 710 and/or token symbols 712 using a mystery trigger.

FIG. 10 is a screen view of an exemplary token interface 800. In theexemplary embodiment, token interface 800 is displayed by activatingtoken interface symbol 608 (shown in FIG. 6) on primary display 118(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Token interface 800 includes, for each tokenawarded to a player, a current value 802, an optimum sell-by date 804,and a value trend 806. Token interface 800 also includes a total currentvalue 808 of tokens awarded to the player. If the player elects toredeem a token, the player is prompted to confirm the value 802 to beadded to the player's account. Moreover, in some embodiments, a playermay initiate a token trade transaction, a token sale transaction, and/ora token purchase transaction via token interface 800.

FIG. 11 is a graph 900 that illustrates exemplary value trends for eachof a plurality of different token types 902. As shown in FIG. 11, afirst token type T1 is issued to one or more players during a first timeperiod t1. First token type T1 is issued at a first value V1 that isdetermined using system 300 (shown in FIG. 3) to control a statisticalstructure and/or based on a number or amount of awards available. At thestart of a second time period t2, a second token type T2 is awarded toplayers with a second value V2. At the start of a third time period t3,a third token type T3 is awarded to players with a third value V3. Insome embodiments, second token value V2 and/or third token value V3 aredifferent than, such as higher than, first token value V1 at the initialpoint of being awarded to a player. Such value differences may be basedon, for example and not by way of limitation, a promotional aspectand/or as part of a algorithmic process that stimulates higher playerloyalty.

In the exemplary embodiment, first token type T1 is also awarded toplayers during second time period t2 and/or third time period t3. In analternative embodiment, fist token type T1 is no longer awarded toplayers after first time period Li has ended. Similarly, in theexemplary embodiment, second token type T2 is awarded to players duringthird time period t3. In an alternative embodiment, second token type T2is no longer awarded to players after second time period t2 has ended.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment and, as shown in FIG. 11, firstvalue V1 changes, such as rises or falls, during each time period t1,t2, and t3 based on the number of players that have been awarded firsttoken type T1, whether during first time period t1 or during subsequentsecond and third time periods t2 and t3. Similarly, second value V2changes, such as rises or falls, during each time period t2 and t3 basedon a number of players that have been awarded second token type T2,whether during second time period t2 or during subsequent third timeperiod t3. For example, at a first point 904 during third time periodt3, third value V3 increases as shown in FIG. 11 due to, for example, apromotional period that is sponsored by an advertiser. In anotherexample, at a second point 906 during third time period t3, a playercashes out second value V2 of his second token type T2, thereby causinga decrease in second value V2 and/or a decrease in an index value ofthird token type T3.

FIG. 12 is a chart 1000 that illustrates an exemplary time varyingnature of a value of a token awarded to a player using system 300 (shownin FIG. 3), As shown in FIG. 12, and in the exemplary embodiment, on afirst day, Day 1, a first player, Player A, wins a token 1002. Token1002 includes an initial value, which increases over time from Day 1until an eighth day, Day 8. As shown in FIG. 12, token 1002 has aninitial value of two dollars, which increases in value such that, at Day8, token 1002 has a value of fourteen dollars.

Moreover, a second player, Player B, is awarded a token 1004 on a secondday, Day 2. In the exemplary embodiment, token 1004 has the same initialvalue as token 1002 awarded to Player A on Day 1. In an alternativeembodiment, token 1004 has a different initial value than token 1002. Inaddition, Player B is awarded two additional tokens 1006 on a fourthday, Day 4. In the exemplary embodiment, each token 1006 has the sameinitial value as tokens 1002 and 1004. In an alternative embodiment,each token 1006 has a different initial value than token 1002 and/ortoken 1004. The value of token 1004 increases over time from Day 2 untilDay 8. Similarly, the value of token 1006 increases over time from Day 4until Day 8. As shown in FIG. 12, token 1004 has an initial value of twodollars, which increases in value such that, at Day 8, token 1004 has avalue of four dollars. Similarly, each token 1006 has an initial valueof two dollars, which increases in value such that, at Day 8, each token1006 has a value of three dollars.

Further, a third player, Player C, is awarded token 1006 on Day 4. Inthe exemplary embodiment, token 1006 has the same initial value astokens 1002 and 1004. In an alternative embodiment, token 1006 has adifferent initial value than token 1002 and/or token 1004. The value oftoken 1006 increases over time from Day 4 until Day 8. As shown in FIG.12, token 1006 has an initial value of two dollars, which increases invalue such that, at Day 8, token 1006 has a value of three dollars.

FIGS. 13-15 are graphs that illustrate an exemplary progressive awardcomponent of the embodiments described herein. Such a progressive awardcomponent enables progressive award pools to be built using varioustime-based rules and algorithmic reallocation of declining token values.Moreover, such a progressive award component facilitates increasingplayer loyalty by providing additional or larger progressive awards tolong-term players, providing a “super win” for players that have lostaccumulated token value over time, and/or providing a periodic stimulusto extend current play sessions. In one embodiment, players are enteredin a progressive contest by initiating a sales transaction of one ormore tokens or token types with system 300 (shown in FIG. 3). In analternative embodiment, players are entered in a progressive contestafter being awarded with a token of a particular type, or aftercompleting a token portfolio.

FIG. 13 is a graph 1100 that illustrates an exemplary time-varyingnature of a progressive award value as displayed to players via, forexample, electronic screen 312 (shown in FIG. 3). Graph 1100 includes afirst line 1102 that represents a typical linear progressive award thataccumulates value based on coin-in, for example.

A second line 1104 represents a progressive award with perturbations. Inthe exemplary embodiment, a value associated with second line 1104 isdisplayed to players via electronic screen 312. The progressive award isawarded at a specified time and/or when the progressive award valuereaches a specified amount 1106.

FIG. 14 is a graph 1200 that illustrates an alternative embodiment inwhich the progressive award value is split into two components. A firstline 1202 represents a typical linear progressive award that accumulatesvalue based on coin-in. A second line 1204 represents a randomized bonusvalue that is added to the value represented by first line 1202. Thebonus value may be funded by, for example, a sponsorship and/or a secondpercentage of coin-in. In the exemplary embodiment, electronic screen312 displays only the value represented by second line 1204 to increaseplayer anticipation and to leave the player with an impression that hecan track the progressive award value similar to a stock market index.

FIG. 15 is a graph 1300 that illustrates another alternative embodimentin which the progressive award value is split into two components.Similar to graph 1200 of FIG. 14, a first line 1302 represents a typicallinear progressive award that accumulates value based on coin-in. Asecond line 1304 represents a randomized bonus value that is a ceilingfor any progressive award amount that may be won by a player. Morespecifically, second line 1304 represents a ceiling of the progressiveaward value. In the exemplary embodiment, electronic screen 312 displaysonly the value represented by second line 1304 to increase playeranticipation and to leave the player with an impression that he cantrack the progressive award value similar to a stock market index.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method 1400 forproviding awards using gaming system 300 (shown in FIG. 3).

In the exemplary embodiment, a player initiates 1402 play of a base gameat gaming machine 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). During play of the basegame, gaming machine 100 detects 1404 a bonus trigger. Morespecifically, gaming machine controller 202 (shown in FIG. 2) detects abonus trigger, which may be a particular bonus symbol or combination ofsymbols obtained as an outcome of the base game. For example, gamingmachine controller 202 detects one or more trigger symbols 612 (shown inFIG. 6) in an outcome of the base game. In an alternative embodiment, aserver, such as server 302, 304, or 306 (shown in FIG. 3) detects theone or more trigger symbols 612.

In the exemplary embodiment, and in response to detection of the one ormore trigger symbols 612, gaming machine 100 initiates 1406 play of abonus game. Specifically, gaming machine controller 202 initiates playof the bonus game. During play of the bonus game, gaming machinecontroller 202 determines 1408 a bonus game outcome. Gaming machinecontroller 202 awards 1410 a token based on the bonus game outcome. Inan alternative embodiment, a server, such as server 302, 304, or 306,initiates play of the bonus game, determines the bonus game outcome,and/or awards the token based on the bonus game outcome. In anotheralternative embodiment, gaming machine controller 202 awards 1410 atoken based on a base game outcome.

In the exemplary embodiment, the token has an initial value. Tokenmanagement server 302 increments 1412 the value of the token over. Forexample, the value of the token may be increased based on play by thesame player or by a plurality of players. In some embodiments, the valueof the token increases based on tokens earned by a community of players,rather than based on play by all players. For example, and referring toFIG. 12, Player A may designate or invite Player B, but not Player C, tobe aligned with Player A. In such embodiments, token 1002 gains valuebased on game play and/or tokens earned by Player B, but not based ongame play and/or tokens earned by Player C. Moreover, Player B maydesignate or invite Player C to be aligned with Player B in a similararrangement. Furthermore, in some embodiments, game play and/or tokensearned by Player C affect the value of only Player B′s token 1004 butnot Player A's token 1002 because Player A did not designate or invitePlayer C. In other embodiments, game play and/or tokens earned by PlayerC affect the value of both Player A's token 1002 and Player B's token1004.

In an alternative embodiment, in order for the value of the token toincrement 1412, the player must visit the casino, log into gaming system300, and accept the increased value (e.g., interest) via a tokeninterface, such as token interface 800 (shown in FIG. 10). Accordingly,in such an embodiment, and referring again to

FIG. 12, if Player A does not visit the casino on Day 2 to accept theincreased value, token 1002 would maintain its original value.Thereafter, if Player A visits the casino on Day 4 and accepts theincreased value, only the increased value for Day 4 would be added tothe token value, In such an embodiment, the player is not repeatedlyredeeming the token value but, rather, is validating and accepting theincreased value.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart 1500 that further illustrates method 1400 (shownin FIG. 16). As described above, a player initiates 1502 play of a basegame at gaming machine 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). During play of thebase game, a plurality of symbols 602 (shown in FIG. 6) is displayed ina row-and-column matrix. Moreover, during play of the base game, gamingmachine 100 determines 1504 whether one or more bonus symbols 612 arepresent in the base game outcome. More specifically, gaming machinecontroller 202 (shown in FIG. 2) detects a bonus trigger, which may be aparticular bonus symbol or combination of symbols obtained as an outcomeof the base game. If gaming machine controller 202 does not detect abonus trigger, the base game is continued. In an alternative embodiment,a server, such as server 302, 304, or 306 (shown in FIG. 3) detects theone or more trigger symbols 612.

In the exemplary embodiment, and in response to detection of the one ormore trigger symbols 612, gaming machine 100 initiates 1506 play of abonus game. Specifically, gaming machine controller 202 initiates playof the bonus game. During play of the bonus game, a plurality of symbols702 (shown in FIGS. 7-9) is displayed in a row-and-column matrix.Moreover, during play of the bonus game, gaming machine controller 202determines 1508 whether a bonus game outcome includes a token triggersymbol 712 (shown in FIGS. 7-9). If gaming machine controller 202 doesnot detect a token trigger symbol, gaming machine controller 202determines 1510 whether the bonus game is over. If the bonus game isover, the player is returned to the base game. If the bonus game is notover, the player is returned to play the bonus game again. In analternative embodiment, a server, such as server 302, 304, or 306detects the one or more token trigger symbols 712.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 awards 1512 tokenportion 710 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). Specifically, gaming machinecontroller 202 awards token portion 710 for each token trigger symbol712 detected in the bonus game outcome. In an alternative embodiment,gaming machine controller 202 awards a single token portion 710 for anynumber of token trigger symbols 712 detected in the bonus game outcome.Moreover, gaming machine 100 determines 1514 whether each awarded tokenportion 710 fills token display area 708. Specifically, gaming machinecontroller 202 compares a current number of token portions 710 to anumber of token portions 710 needed to earn a token award. If the playerhas earned the necessary number of token portions 710, gaming machine100 awards 1516 the player with a token award, which includes an initialvalue. More specifically, gaming machine controller 202 awards theplayer a token award. If the player has not earned the necessary numberof token portions 710, gaming machine controller 202 again determines1510 whether the bonus game is over. After awarding the token award,gaming machine 100 stores 1518 token award information, including theinitial value and/or a token type. More specifically, gaming machinecontroller 202 stores the initial value and/or the token type in ROM 204or RAM 208. In addition, gaming machine controller 202 transmits theinitial value and/or token type to token management server 302, whichstores the initial value and/or token type in database 308 (shown inFIG. 3). In an alternative embodiment, token management server 302awards each token portion 710 and/or a token award. Specifically, tokenmanagement server 302 awards each token portion 710 and/or token award,and communicates the award result to gaming machine 100, which displaysthe award result via, for example, primary display device 118.

In the exemplary embodiment, token management server 302 monitors playertoken history 504 and/or player token records 506 (each shown in FIG. 5)to determine 1520 whether the player has acquired one or more tokenawards for each of a number of token types. If the player has acquiredthe necessary token awards, token management server 302 awards theplayer with an additional award.

Moreover, token management server 302 increments 1524 the value of thetoken award. In one embodiment, token management increments the valueonly during a single play session by the player, such that when theplayer stops playing at gaming machine 100, the value is no longerincremented by token management server 302, In an alternativeembodiment, token management server 302 increments the value over aplurality of play sessions. For example, token management server 302 mayincrement the value of the token award during a plurality of playsessions that are separated by periods of non-play but not during theperiods of non-play. As another example, token management server 302 mayincrement the value of the token award during a plurality of playsessions, including during period of non-play that separate each playsession. Moreover, in one embodiment, accounting server 304 applies aportion of each wager made by the player at gaming machine 100 to atoken pool. In such an embodiment, token management server 302increments the award value based on an accumulated value of the tokenpool. In another alternative embodiment, token management server 302increments the award value based on a player level of the player. In yetanother alternative embodiment, token management server 302 incrementsthe award value based on a frequency of play by the player. In stillanother alternative embodiment, token management server 302 may insteaddecrement the token value based on, for example and not by way oflimitation, a length of a time period between play sessions. Tokenmanagement server 302 may also assign an expiration date to the token.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, token management server 302determines 1526 a token value trend for each token award and/or eachtoken type. The token value trend is displayed to the player via tokeninterface 800 (shown in FIG. 8), which enables a player to initiate 1528a token transaction. For example, and in the exemplary embodiment, theplayer may redeem 1530 a token for current value 802 (shown in FIG. 8).Token management server 302 communicates current value 802 to gamingmachine 100, which displays current value 802 and a confirmation to theplayer. If the player confirms the redemption transaction, current value802 is applied to the player's current credits. The player may alsotrade 1532 a particular token for a different token, sell 1534 a tokenfor credits or a chance to participate in an alternative game, and/orpurchase 1536 a token from another player or from system 300.Alternatively, the token value may be used by token management sever 302to determine a recurring prize amount that is awarded to the player, aslong as the player has not redeemed, traded, or sold the token. Therecurring prize amount may accumulated to earn free play time or anyother suitable prize. For example, the recurring prize may be gamingcredits, a secondary bonus currency, or lottery tickets. In anotheralternative embodiment, the player may redeem the token value fornon-gaming prizes such as, but not limited to, hotel upgrades, clothingor other merchandise, and/or food and drink. Moreover, in someembodiments, the player may redeem the token value online via, forexample, remote computer 316. In such embodiments, the player may beoffered double points or some similar prize.

Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems, methods, andcomputer-readable storage media for awarding dynamically valued tokensduring game play are described above in detail. The apparatus, systems,methods, and storage media are not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed herein but, rather, operations of the methods and/orcomponents of the system and/or apparatus may be utilized independentlyand separately from other operations and/or components described herein.Further, the described operations and/or components may also be definedin, or used in combination with, other systems, methods, and/orapparatus, and are not limited to practice with only the systems,methods, and storage media as described herein.

A gaming machine or gaming system server, such as those describedherein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a systemmemory. The gaming machine or gaming system typically has at least someform of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation,computer readable media include computer storage media and communicationmedia. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includeany information delivery media. Those skilled in the art are familiarwith the modulated data signal, which has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included withinthe scope of computer readable media.

Although the present invention is described in connection with anexemplary gaming system environment, embodiments of the invention areoperational with numerous other general purpose or special purposegaming system environments or configurations. The gaming systemenvironment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope ofuse or functionality of any aspect of the invention. Moreover, thegaming system environment should not be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in the exemplary operating environment. Examplesof well known gaming systems, environments, and/or configurations thatmay be suitable for use with aspects of the invention include, but arenot limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held orlaptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems,set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that include any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program components or modules,executed by one or more computers or other devices. Aspects of theinvention may be implemented with any number and organization ofcomponents or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are notlimited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specificcomponents or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein.Alternative embodiments of the invention may include differentcomputer-executable instructions or components having more or lessfunctionality than illustrated and described herein.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in theembodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is notessential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may beperformed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments ofthe invention may include additional or fewer operations than thosedisclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing orperforming a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, orafter another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.

In some embodiments, a processor includes any programmable systemincluding systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits(RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmablelogic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable ofexecuting the functions described herein. The above examples areexemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way thedefinition and/or meaning of the term processor.

In some embodiments, a database includes any collection of dataincluding hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat filedatabases, object-relational databases, object oriented databases, andany other structured collection of records or data that is stored in acomputer system. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are notintended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the termdatabase. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to onlyincluding, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server,Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enablesthe systems and methods described herein, (Oracle is a registeredtrademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is aregistered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation,Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of MicrosoftCorporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark ofSybase, Dublin, Calif.)

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or embodimentsthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A gaming system comprising: adisplay device; an input device; a processor; and a memory device thatstores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to operate with the display device andthe input device to: (a) initiate a play of a primary game; (b)determine an outcome of said play of the primary game; (c) display thedetermined outcome of said play of the primary game; (d) upon anoccurrence of a bonus triggering event: (i) initiate a play of a bonusgame; (ii) determine an outcome of said play of the bonus game; (iii)display the determined outcome of said play of the bonus game; and (iv)upon an occurrence of a token triggering event in association with saidplay of the bonus game, award the player a token having a monetaryvalue; and (e) for each awarded token: (i) display the monetary value ofsaid token; (ii) upon an occurrence of a token value increase event inassociation with at least one play of at least one of the primary gameand the bonus game, increase the monetary value of said token; and (iii)enable the player to redeem said token for the monetary value of saidtoken.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the token value increaseevent occurs based on a frequency of play of the primary game by theplayer.
 3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the token triggeringevent occurs when the player has accumulated a designated quantity ofelements during said play of the bonus game.
 4. The gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to accumulate at least one element forthe player upon an occurrence of a designated event during said play ofthe bonus game.
 5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein each awardedtoken is one of a plurality of different types of tokens.
 6. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein a first initial monetary value of a token ofa first type is different than a second initial monetary value of atoken of a second different type.
 7. A method of operating a gamingsystem, said method comprising: (a) causing at least one processor toexecute a plurality of instructions to initiate a play of a primarygame; (b) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality ofinstructions to determine an outcome of said play of the primary game;(c) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality ofinstructions to operate with a display device to display the determinedoutcome of said play of the primary game; (d) upon an occurrence of abonus triggering event: (i) causing the at least one processor toexecute the plurality of instructions to initiate a play of a bonusgame; (ii) causing the at least one processor to execute the pluralityof instructions to determine an outcome of said play of the bonus game;(iii) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality ofinstructions to operate with the display device to display thedetermined outcome of said play of the bonus game; and (iv) upon anoccurrence of a token triggering event in association with said play ofthe bonus game, causing the at least one processor to execute theplurality of instructions to award the player a token having a monetaryvalue; and (e) for each awarded token: (i) causing the at least oneprocessor to execute the plurality of instructions to operate with thedisplay device to display the monetary value of said token; (ii) upon anoccurrence of a token value increase event in association with at leastone play of at least one of the primary game and the bonus game, causingthe at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions toincrease the monetary value of said token; and (iii) enabling the playerto redeem said token for the monetary value of said token.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the token value increase event occurs based on afrequency of play of the primary game by the player.
 9. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the token triggering event occurs when the player hasaccumulated a designated quantity of elements during said play of thebonus game.
 10. The method of claim 9, which includes causing the atleast one processor to execute the plurality of instructions toaccumulate at least one element for the player upon an occurrence of adesignated event during said play of the bonus game.
 11. The method ofclaim 7, wherein each awarded token is one of a plurality of differenttypes of tokens.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein a first initialmonetary value of a token of a first type is different than a secondinitial monetary value of a token of a second different type.
 13. Themethod of claim 7, which is provided through a data network.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the data network is an internet.
 15. Anon-transitory computer readable medium that stores a plurality ofinstructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processorto: (a) initiate a play of a primary game; (b) determine an outcome ofsaid play of the primary game; (c) cause a display device to display thedetermined outcome of said play of the primary game; (d) upon anoccurrence of a bonus triggering event: (i) initiate a play of a bonusgame; (ii) determine an outcome of said play of the bonus game; (iii)cause the display device to display the determined outcome of said playof the bonus game; and (iv) upon an occurrence of a token triggeringevent in association with said play of the bonus game, award the playera token having a monetary value; and (e) for each awarded token: (i)cause the display device to display the monetary value of said token;(ii) upon an occurrence of a token value increase event in associationwith at least one play of at least one of the primary game and the bonusgame, increase the monetary value of said token; and (iii) enable theplayer to redeem said token for the monetary value of said token. 16.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein thetoken value increase event occurs based on a frequency of play of theprimary game by the player.
 17. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the token triggering event occurs when theplayer has accumulated a designated quantity of elements during saidplay of the bonus game.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 17, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to accumulate at least one element forthe player upon an occurrence of a designated event during said play ofthe bonus game.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim15, wherein each awarded token is one of a plurality of different typesof tokens.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15,wherein a first initial monetary value of a token of a first type isdifferent than a second initial monetary value of a token of a seconddifferent type.